Champ Bailey to take Marshall under his wing

[ICON]

Champ Bailey says he’ll take Marshall under his wing

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP)—Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey said Tuesday he will step up to mentor beleaguered wide receiver Brandon Marshall in the aftermath of a freak accident that will keep Marshall from working out for four months.

Veteran Rod Smith mentored Marshall in his first two seasons, but Smith is on the injured retirement list. Bailey said he’s willing to assume the role of big brother for Marshall, a third-year pro who caught 102 passes for 1,325 yards and seven touchdowns last year.

“I’m not really worried about him,” Bailey said. “I’ll keep my eye on him.”

Marshall said he was roughhousing with family members on Saturday when he slipped on a fast-food bag and put his right arm through a home entertainment center. The Broncos confirmed Tuesday that Marshall lacerated an artery, a vein, a nerve, two tendons and three muscles in his right forearm.

He underwent surgery and could miss up to four months of offseason preparations while he heals.

“I think as a group we can definitely make sure he does his thing,” Bailey said. “It’s crazy something like this can happen.

“We know what he means to this team and we are going to need him. I just hope we do everything in our power as a team to get him back healthy and ready for the season.”

Bailey was excited about Denver’s recent signing of his younger brother, Boss, to a five-year, $17.5 million deal.

“He brings athleticism, he’ll make some plays and that’s big for us,” Champ Bailey said. “He a guy that is definitely accountable.”

Boss Bailey spent his first five seasons in Detroit after being selected in the second round of the 2003 draft. He had an outstanding career at Georgia, where he followed his older brother as an all-conference selection.

The 28-year-old linebacker has appeared in 58 games, including 51 starts, and has 258 tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions. Last season, he had a career-best 3 1/2 sacks and 47 tackles in 15 games.

“They didn’t use him right in Detroit,” Champ Bailey said. “We’re going to use him right here. I’ll make sure of that.”http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ArDaG3QIaFCMX_NkucVjf_s5nYcB?slug=ap-broncos-bailey&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Beantown Bronco]

“They didn’t use him right in Detroit,” Champ Bailey said. “We’re going to use him right here. I’ll make sure of that.”

More and more I get the feeling that Champ thinks he runs this team. Is it just me or have their been more Champ quotes appearing in the media in the past 2-3 months than there were his whole Denver career up until now?

[bowtown]

More and more I get the feeling that Champ thinks he runs this team. Is it just me or have their been more Champ quotes appearing in the media in the past 2-3 months than there were his whole Denver career up until now?

Yeah but it seems like they are all coming from the same 2 interviews. Plus, I don't mind if Champ thinks he owns this team. He is a captain. I'd like to think our defensive captain is going to step up, take some ownership, and responsiblity for that defense.

[SoCalBronco]

[B][SIZE="2"]

“They didn’t use him right in Detroit,” Champ Bailey said. “We’re going to use him right here. I’ll make sure of that.”http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=ArDaG3QIaFCMX_NkucVjf_s5nYcB?slug=ap-broncos-bailey&prov=ap&type=lgns

This better not mean what I think it means.

[Bronco Jamus]

Yeah but it seems like they are all coming from the same 2 interviews. Plus, I don't mind if Champ thinks he owns this team. He is a captain. I'd like to think our defensive captain is going to step up, take some ownership, and responsiblity for that defense.

I agree. Step up and take control.

[cmhargrove]

I'm sorry but where did they get the title for this article?

Where does Champ say he is going to mentor Marshall?

I mean, don't get me wrong, I like the idea, but what a misleading title.


I like the fact that Champ feels his (vocal) leadership role growing. Our team needs his leadership and competitiveness badly. You always used to feel like Al ran the defense and kept everyone together. DJ isn't that type of guy, so it's nice that Champ continues to increase his verbal role.

[Man-Goblin]

This better not mean what I think it means.

What do you think it means?

[Kaylore]

Champ's a team captain and our biggest star on the team. I think the Broncos are interested in doing what they can to keep him happy and if that means getting his input then so be it. I do think good coaching means listening to what your players like to do and giving them opportunities to do it. I also think it's the coache's job to see to it that players have to do the things that they don't like to do so they build toughness and are balanced. Teams that let the players have too much influence on decisions get soft pretty quickly and often have a average at best work ethics. I'd be willing to be Champ was a major influence in Slowik taking over.

[400HZ]

Are there bonus incentives in Champ's contract for cumulative hours of babysitting?

[bowtown]

Are there bonus incentives in Champ's contract for cumulative hours of babysitting?

No but Shanahan does make sure to give them pizza money.

[Gcver2ver3]

More and more I get the feeling that Champ thinks he runs this team. Is it just me or have their been more Champ quotes appearing in the media in the past 2-3 months than there were his whole Denver career up until now?

i think it appears that way because the media has been constantly shoving microphones in his face...

besides i recall Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe being quoted quite often also...

Champ is our team leader and best player so i think it's to be expected...

[worm]

This better not mean what I think it means.


I just thought he meant that Boss would be on the field in the nickel.

[Broncos123]

More and more I get the feeling that Champ thinks he runs this team. Is it just me or have their been more Champ quotes appearing in the media in the past 2-3 months than there were his whole Denver career up until now?

I am glad that if in fact he does take on a leadership/mentoring role. Someone on the D needs to stand up and take a leadership role.

[rbackfactory80]

Champ is becomming Shanahan junior. He has way to many duties and needs to focus on his job. Soon he will be waxing the floors at Dove valley. I think he also took over for Mason on Denverbroncos.com.

[Gcver2ver3]

I just thought he meant that Boss would be on the field in the nickel.

actually i think he will be on the field for nickle packages...

him and DJ...

who else is left to do it if not Boss?

[Northman]

More and more I get the feeling that Champ thinks he runs this team. Is it just me or have their been more Champ quotes appearing in the media in the past 2-3 months than there were his whole Denver career up until now?


Yea, its getting beyond ridiculous now. I hear a lot of talk from Champ but never see any of it backed up on the field. If he's going to be a leader then he needs to get in those guys faces when they screw up on the field.

[broncofan2438]

There needs to be a better click between the players. I think Champ stepping up would help along with others becoming closer as team mates and friends

[Gcver2ver3]

Yea, its getting beyond ridiculous now. I hear a lot of talk from Champ but never see any of it backed up on the field. If he's going to be a leader then he needs to get in those guys faces when they screw up on the field.

What are we questioning Champ's leadership now?

I would think it's a good think for Champ to want to be a leader for his team on AND off the field...

Plus, it's not his job to reprimand players on the field when they screw up...leave that to the coaches...

Instead Champ should motivate his teammates to work hard and keep pushing which I think he did last year and may do even moreso this season...

[Lestat]

no offense but if one of the quietest guys on the team starts talking like he runs the team then obviously there has been failure to properly assess the players ability in the past.

this defense has been so fvkced up since Coyer was used as a scapegoat it's not funny

[Northman]

no offense but if one of the quietest guys on the team starts talking like he runs the team then obviously there has been failure to properly assess the players ability in the past.

this defense has been so fvkced up since Coyer was used as a scapegoat it's not funny


Champ should of been doing this years ago. Why start now?

[Northman]

What are we questioning Champ's leadership now?

I would think it's a good think for Champ to want to be a leader for his team on AND off the field...

Plus, it's not his job to reprimand players on the field when they screw up...leave that to the coaches...

Instead Champ should motivate his teammates to work hard and keep pushing which I think he did last year and may do even moreso this season...


Gimme a break. Its not about reprimanding anyone. Its about making your teamates accountable for being out of position, for missing tackles, etc. You think Atwater or even Elway sat by and watched guys screw up over and over without saying a word on the field? Go back and watch the tapes and you will see what a on field leader does my friend. A leader doesnt just talk to the papers, they actually lead on the field. This isnt a shot at Champ the player, this is a shot at Champ the leader. On gameday i want him fired up and in their faces when they arent doing what their supposed to be doing. Not laughing it up on the sidelines like its some kind of joke.

[rbackfactory80]

Champ lead by his play on the field, which itself was very questionable last year. The only reason he is opening his mouth is because he is at the voluntary team workouts. He is being questioned. Once September rolls around again he won't make a peep on the field. He is not a natural vocal leader.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Champ should of been doing this years ago. Why start now?

I didn't realize you were in the defensive huddle!

[Northman]

I didn't realize you were in the defensive huddle!


Guess you can learn something new everyday.

[BroncoFiend]

Champ should of been doing this years ago. Why start now?

Champ always has answered questions frankly and honestly. He doesn't do alot of chest pounding but he also has never just delivered the company line. Rod Smith was like that as well.

I like that Champ gives straight honest answers, everyone...fans, coaches and owners alike knows where he stands.

[Gcver2ver3]

Gimme a break. Its not about reprimanding anyone. Its about making your teamates accountable for being out of position, for missing tackles, etc. You think Atwater or even Elway sat by and watched guys screw up over and over without saying a word on the field? Go back and watch the tapes and you will see what a on field leader does my friend. A leader doesnt just talk to the papers, they actually lead on the field. This isnt a shot at Champ the player, this is a shot at Champ the leader. On gameday i want him fired up and in their faces when they arent doing what their supposed to be doing. Not laughing it up on the sidelines like its some kind of joke.

There are more ways than one to lead a team.

I don't see how anyone can say that Champ hasn't been a leader on the field for the team.

I hear what you're saying, but your example sounds a lot like reprimand to me...and i don't think that's what Champ should be doing...

I think he's been quite the leader for us...

I also don't think it's fair to criticize him for laughing on the sidelines with teammates...

what player hasn't been seen doing that?

You want me to give you a break but it sounds to me as if you should give Champ a break...

Just my opinion on it...

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Guess you can learn something new everyday.

:) They dont let punters in the huddle though!

[Rulon Velvet Jones]

What do you think it means?

A plethora?

[Beantown Bronco]

Plus, it's not his job to reprimand players on the field when they screw up...leave that to the coaches.....

It may or may not be the coaches job to reprimand players when they screw up, but IT IS DEFINITELY the job of the coaches to determine how they should "use" the players. Champ doesn't have a problem butting in there, though:

“They didn’t use him right in Detroit,” Champ Bailey said. “We’re going to use him right here. I’ll make sure of that.”

[Northman]

There are more ways than one to lead a team.

I don't see how anyone can say that Champ hasn't been a leader on the field for the team.

I hear what you're saying, but your example sounds a lot like reprimand to me...and i don't think that's what Champ should be doing...

I think he's been quite the leader for us...

I also don't think it's fair to criticize him for laughing on the sidelines with teammates...

what player hasn't been seen doing that?

You want me to give you a break but it sounds to me as if you should give Champ a break...

Just my opinion on it...


Well, to me whatever leadership he is using isnt working. And i would like to see him get in those guys faces on the field. He doesnt have to knock them down but rather fire them back up. And you have your right to your opinion i have no problem with that.

[yerner]

Jeez, boring days on the mane..

[Northman]

:) They dont let punters in the huddle though!


Yea, but Belicheat lent me one of his mini-cams and it came in handy. :wiggle:

[Gcver2ver3]

Well, to me whatever leadership he is using isnt working. And i would like to see him get in those guys faces on the field. He doesnt have to knock them down but rather fire them back up. And you have your right to your opinion i have no problem with that.

fair enough...

i understand your point as well...

[Broncoman13]

Champ's a team captain and our biggest star on the team. I think the Broncos are interested in doing what they can to keep him happy and if that means getting his input then so be it. I do think good coaching means listening to what your players like to do and giving them opportunities to do it. I also think it's the coache's job to see to it that players have to do the things that they don't like to do so they build toughness and are balanced. Teams that let the players have too much influence on decisions get soft pretty quickly and often have a average at best work ethics. I'd be willing to be Champ was a major influence in Slowik taking over.

I agree and I'll add that I'm all for Champ stepping up and making his feelings known. It doesn't make him a flavor clown, or malcontent or anything like that. He's led by example for years. Now he's taking the next step. I like it!

[Gcver2ver3]

Jeez, boring days on the mane..

true...

i think this time last year we had more exciting stuff to bantor on about...

i think we were all talking about getting thomas jones or travis henry....we were supposedly in talks of trading up for Adrian Peterson...

we almost got Justin Tuck in a trade....we supposedly had agreed on a deal for John Abraham...we allegedly dabbled into the Randy Moss sweepstakes...we almost got Patrick Kerney but instead settled on Daniel Graham and Stokely...

We were having a ball on the Mane last offseason...

Now all we have is signing a back up center and fantasizing about FONECO to talk about this offseason...

bummer huh?:-/

[Punisher]

Off the Field Marshall=:dummy: Marshall on the Field=:super:

[Bladerunner]

A plethora?

inconceivable!

[TheReverend]

This better not mean what I think it means.

:rofl: Sorry dude, I'm not laughing at you or what may be your impending fandom misfortune, but it's funny to see your public typed reaction when the thought flashes through your head of DJ being rebanished back to Sam.

DJ/Boss are pretty much the same guy... both highly athetic potential LBs that try to run around blocks. Hopefully both finally break out in camp but I'll settle for just one.

[peacepipe]

More and more I get the feeling that Champ thinks he runs this team. Is it just me or have their been more Champ quotes appearing in the media in the past 2-3 months than there were his whole Denver career up until now?Maybe Champ being a team captain/leader,Boss' brother will help/make sure we get the best out of him. Maybe it's time players start taking some ownership(figuritively speaking) of the team. When players give a sh!t about how a team plays, they tend to play better. You think Billichek is on the field making sure everyone is playing right? What he has are key players like bruschi & vrabel who make sure players are doing what they are supposed. That kind of attitude spreads to others giving players a sense of pride & accountability. Since when is a player stepping up to help another player play at his best a bad thing.

[Beantown Bronco]

Maybe Champ being a team captain/leader,Boss' brother will help/make sure we get the best out of him. Maybe it's time players start taking some ownership(figuritively speaking) of the team. When players give a sh!t about how a team plays, they tend to play better. You think Billichek is on the field making sure everyone is playing right? What he has are key players like bruschi & vrabel who make sure players are doing what they are supposed. That kind of attitude spreads to others giving players a sense of pride & accountability. Since when is a player stepping up to help another player play at his best a bad thing.

Speaking out on the field, attempting to point out mistakes and getting guys to play better is one thing. Telling the organization and coaches how to do THEIR jobs is completely different.

[Drek]

Speaking out on the field, attempting to point out mistakes and getting guys to play better is one thing. Telling the organization and coaches how to do THEIR jobs is completely different.

You don't necessarily know that is how he meant it though.

Maybe he meant that here he'll be able to better assist Boss in showing off his skills, and that by the two playing on the same side that he would be largely able to cover up Boss' deficiencies and allow Boss to play entirely to his strengths?

There are different levels that such a statement could be taken at. After the positive words Champ has had for Slowik over the last couple seasons I don't think we should now assume he's trying to say how things should get done.

Hell, for all we know Champ was directly asked by Shanahan and Slowik prior to us signing him what he thought his brother's skills were and how we could best use them. I'd like to think that when you have a veteran with the experience and obvious insight into the game of football that Champ has on your team that your coaching staff isn't afraid to tap that well for information, especially when it involves someone he's known his entire life being a part of this team.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Speaking out on the field, attempting to point out mistakes and getting guys to play better is one thing. Telling the organization and coaches how to do THEIR jobs is completely different.

Well, Champ knows from his own experience how much we sucked this past couple of years and the guy has sacrificed his own body trying to stop players who are twice his size because the guys who were supposed to tackle were taking a nap or trying to understand the schemes. So yeah, I have no problem with him letting the organization know that they have to do THEIR jobs better and put the players in a position to succeed. (something they didn't do last year)
I can't believe you guys are complaining because our best player is trying to make the team better. Jeez.